Original activity from total counts, short decay

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the original activity of a radioactive substance given total counts and measurement time, it's essential to consider the short half-life in relation to the measurement duration. The equation A = A_0e^(lambda*t) can be applied, where A represents the activity at time t, and A_0 is the original activity. Since the half-life is short, the total counts represent all decays up to time t, necessitating a more complex approach than simply dividing counts by time. Additional information, such as the decay constant or specific decay events, may be required for accurate calculations. Understanding these factors is crucial for determining the original activity effectively.
dirks555
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Homework Statement



I am supposed to calculate the original activity of a radioactive from the following data:

Total counts N
Measurement time t

Since the half-life is short compared to the measure time i can't just divide the counts with the time passed. I really have no clue on how to do this!

Homework Equations



A=A_0e^lambda*t

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Do you mean that at time t you know the total number of all decays up to t? What other information do you have?

RGV
 

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